The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a major overhaul of India's GST system, effective September 22, 2025. This comprehensive revamp introduces significant changes, impacting everything from household essentials and food items to vehicles and healthcare products. The council has streamlined the tax slabs by reducing the existing four-tier system to just two primary slabs 5% and 18% and introduced a 40% slab for select luxury and harmful it

For decades, Publishers Clearing House was a household name, surprising families across America with oversized checks, balloons, and promises of financial security for life. But in April 2025, the company filed for bankruptcy, and those life-changing promises have now unraveled for many of its prize winners. One of the most striking stories comes from John Wyllie of White City, Oregon, who in 2012 was surprised with a prize that guaranteed him $5,000 a week for life. With cameras ro

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a series of new measures aimed at easing the compliance burden for businesses in India, with a focus on reducing the registration time for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and start-ups. Sources confirmed to that the new policy will reduce the MSME registration time from 30 days to just three days, streamlining the process significantly. In addition, a proposal for automated GST refunds for

Kroger shoppers in central Ohio will have something extra to look forward to this week as the grocery giant’s Columbus division rolls out a special one-day savings event designed exclusively for seniors. On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, customers aged 55 and older will be able to take advantage of an additional 5% discount on their in-store purchases, a move Kroger says is part of its commitment to helping seniors stretch their budgets in meaningful ways. The company explained

Workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston have officially started their nine-day strike, demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. The strike, which began on Labor Day, marks the first-ever hotel strike in Texas by Unite Here Local 23, the union representing over 400 hotel employees. The action is part of a broader movement for better wages, safety measures, and benefits within the hospitality industry. Th

The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual joint military drill between the Indian Army and the United States Army, commenced on September 1 at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The two-week exercise will run until September 14, bringing together soldiers from both nations to sharpen interoperability, strengthen defence cooperation, and enhance preparedness in multi-domain operations. An Indian Army contingent, drawn from the Madras Regiment, arrived in Alaska to join American tr

Montvale is bidding a bittersweet farewell to one of its most enduring landmarks as Depiero's, a family-run business that has served Bergen County for more than a century, closed its doors for the last time. The closure marks the end of a deeply rooted community institution that began its journey in 1924 and became an integral part of local life for generations. Depiero's was not just a store; it was a gatheri

Kyoto, a city that beautifully blends history with modernity, has just unveiled one of its most unique attractions the Future Train Restaurant. Built on an abandoned elevated railway line in the Umekoji district, this vibrant dining spot transforms three upcycled train carriages into a creative hub of food, art, and nostalgia. Designed by Sebastian Masuda, a celebrated Japanese artist known for his colorful “kawaii” world, the project is being haile

Andhra Pradesh is set to witness one of its biggest industrial breakthroughs with Hindalco Industries announcing an Integrated Aluminum Extrusion Facility in Kuppam, the home constituency of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The ₹586 crore investment will produce aluminum components that will be supplied for manufacturing iPhone chassis and enclosures, making Kuppam a key part of Apple’s global supply chain.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, has once again proven his adeptness at securing investments for the state. Following his annual participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the results of his networking efforts are already becoming evident. One of the most notable outcomes of his 2025 Davos visit is the $1 billion investment secured from Maersk's subsidiary, APM Terminals, which will significantly boost the state&rsquo

Chick-fil-A has revealed a major expansion plan for Ohio, announcing on Monday that it intends to open between 25 and 30 new restaurants across the state by the end of 2027. The expansion will not only increase the presence of the popular fast-food chain but will also bring with it an estimated 3,000 new full-time and part-time jobs for Ohio residents. Company leaders emphasized that Ohio’s growing communities and its history of hard work and hospitality h

As students across Washington return to school this fall, a new shopping experience is set to make the season a little more exciting. The Metro U pop-up shop has officially opened in the city, offering a range of apparel and accessories designed to capture the energy of back-to-school life. Located conveniently across from the L’Enfant Plaza station at 300 7th Street SW, the shop is positioned to attract both high school and college students looking for a

  US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, the current head of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, as the new ambassador to India. This decision comes at a time when the relationship between Washington and New Delhi is under stress, particularly over issues related to trade, agriculture, and India’s ties with Russia. The post of ambassador to India has been vacant since January, followi

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday conducted raids at six premises in Mumbai linked to Reliance Communications (RCom) and its Promoter Director, Anil Ambani, in connection with an alleged bank fraud case worth over Rs 2,000 crore. According to sources, the searches were aimed at collecting key documents and digital records to establish whether bank funds had been misused or loans diverted across group companies.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chavithi, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. In the United States, where over 5.4 million Indians live, the festival has become a vibrant cultural celebration. Families, temples, and community groups come together to perform rituals, organize cultural programs, and immerse idols in rivers or symbolic water tanks.

One of the most recognized Italian restaurant chains in the United States has filed for bankruptcy, marking another difficult chapter for the casual dining industry. Bravo Brio Restaurants LLC, which owns and operates the well-known Brio Italian Grille and Bravo Italian Kitchen brands, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to court documents, the Orlando-based company is carrying estimated liabilities and assets between $50 million and $100 m

Washington’s dining and nightlife industry has found itself at the center of two simultaneous stories this August. On one hand, restaurant and bar owners have reported steep drops in attendance and reservations in the first week of the federal government’s takeover of the District’s police force. On the other, the city’s popular Summer Restaurant Week kicked off with strong numbers, bringing a nearly 30 percent boost in reservations compa

Home Depot is preparing for modest price increases on select products as new tariffs begin to take effect, marking a shift from the company’s earlier stance that it would avoid raising costs for customers. Just a few months ago, company executives expressed confidence that diversified sourcing strategies would help shield shoppers from tariff pressures. However, officials now acknowledge that some categories will see adjustments, though not across the boar

Washington’s nightlife has taken an unexpected hit as local bar owners report some of their slowest nights in years, with many attributing the sudden decline to heavy police and federal agent activity outside popular establishments. At U Street and 14th Street Northwest, the co-owner of Crush Dance Bar, Mark Rutstein, said Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights saw authorities stationed directly outside the venue. He explained that while police and agents

​Igor Babuschkin, a founding member of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, has announced his departure to launch a new venture dedicated to AI safety and innovation. Babuschkin, who played a crucial role in building xAI from the ground up, revealed that he is starting Babuschkin Ventures to support research in artificial intelligence and invest in startups working on agentic systems aimed at benefiting humanity and exploring the mysteries o